I Like Music...Any Kind of Music

Mango Mix time! Two weeks after I'd announced (to some) that the Mango Spring 2009 mix was ready, here I finally am posting it for everyone to enjoy. "The Spring of Indie Mangoes." And the tracklist is:

The Whitest Boy Alive: Courage
Je Suis Animal: The Mystery of Marie Roget
Bat for Lashes: Daniel
The Seal Cub Clubbing Club: Aurienteering
Sparrow and the Workshop: Devil Song
Navvy: Letters
Wave Machines: The Greatest Escape We Ever Made
Röyksopp: Happy Up Here
Empire of the Sun: Walking on a Dream
Hatcham Social: Sidewalk
No & The Maybes: Petra Petrified
Bear Hands: What a Drag
Bleech: Is It True that Boys Don't Cry
Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson: Woodfriend
Wintersleep: Weighty Ghost
Fever Ray: If I Had a Heart
Cashier No. 9: When Jackie Shone
Adiam Dymott: Miss You
Fangs: S.I.C.K.O.
Mexican Institute of Sound: White Stripes
Smoove & Turrell: You Don't Know
Tiga: Shoes

Download here: http://(Vamoose!)

Enjoy, mis bonitos!

Update: I kinda might have accidentally deleted the mix at the link above. Lo siento, mis bonitos. Use this one instead:

http://(Ceci n'est pas un link.)

Update: Link removed.  Too late.  These were always meant to be limited time offers.  Sorry.

Pretty Pictures Version 06.05.09

Sorry to have missed you last weekend, Danny B. And to have missed you wearing The District's purple glitter platform boots at the P-Rat. It was good talking to you drunky on the phone, though. Here are some Pretty Pictures for you to make up for it: Bat for Lashes with "Daniel."

Happy Brithday to Ya

Sister Disco! Last night/this morning was a lot of fun. I'm glad I went out and stayed out with you, Timmy, Tisha K., The Jayhawk, and The District. Not so glad with the major overhang/remnant-drunkyness this morning or that I did that birthday shot (even though it was scrumptiously deelishuss [who knew you could make a shot that tastes like sweet tea?]). But glad I got to ring in your new year with you. Good times. Happy birthday, friend.

(And looky who shares your birthday. You in good company, friend.)

Pretty Pictures Version 06.02.09

No comment on today's Pretty Pictures other than that they're pretty darned good. Glasgow does it, again. Sparrow and the Workshop with "Devil Song."

Oh, Crab!

This made me giggle. I totally agree that the hermit crab should be the official mascot of summer. It reminded me of my little pet hermit crab who lasted all of like 2 days with us one summer. My sister and I named him Der Popo after the hermit crab drawing that was used to show what the word “butt/booty/behind” is in German in this kids’ language book we had. Ahh...Erinnerungen...

I Need a Hero!

Me likey the chin. And me lovey the red! Come on, T-Mobile. Make it happen.

Update!: It appears that my Hero's gonna shack up with AT&T for a little while. Still won't make me switch. But T-Mobile will still be Magic(al).

Update to the update!: Everything's more Magic(al) in merlot.

Pretty Pictures Version 05.30.09

I see dead people...Today's Pretty Pictures conjure that movie for me. Beautiful lazy tunes for a beautiful lazy Saturday. Wintersleep with "Weighty Ghost."

Pass Me the Louvre

It looks like a resort and not a museum. Where’s the marina for my 6,000 foot-long yacht? Patooey.

Sotomenor

Me no likey how the Sotomayor nomination is playing out. Who's racist now? Congress may not like the Ricans, but thank goodness the Repubs have no chance of preventing her confirmation.

No More Candy

Of the Daily Candy variety. My computer don’t like them. Good computer.

As for putt-putt golf on Hipster Alley? I love putt-putt golf, but keep them Indie Rock Fecktards (IRFTs™) away. Oh, gawd, like the girl I saw on the bus the other morning. Cute as a button with the jet black hair with bangs and black plastic-framed glasses and stuff. Just adorable in her Ugly Betty outfit. But then she whipped out her Blackberry to text and check e-mail the entire bus ride to work out of her Coach hobo bag that was in her Ralph Lauren tote. Logos everywhere. Yes, I judged.

(™ property of Bosox. Used with permission.)

Mi Casa Es Su Casa

Today's good news about Sotomayor's nomination is good news, indeed. The energy on La Isla has got be off the chain! ¡Viva, boricua! It's too bad that the good news couldn't extend to the gays in California. The struggle continues.

(Photo courtesy of Shawn Thew/EPA)

Pretty Pictures Version 05.24.09

I feel all rusty. Happy memories, todos. Doves with "Kingdom of Rust."

Je Suis Cansei

De ser awake. Where did we go? Oh, yeah. Ulah + Garden District + Polly's + Eatonville. Which I have thoughts on, but those are left for later. Para tomorrow, mis bonitos. That's what holidaze are for.

A Comer, A Comer, A Comer, O Si

Where to, who can know? What is known is that it has to be nice and greazzy because this little Rican may have gone out last night sans dinner with a boy from Dallas (Shatterproof), a Frenchuvian (Migs), a kid from NY (Billy), a Jayhawk, the Claire Bear, and a girl from either Spain or Cuba or wherever her abuela told her she was from. Good times.

Pretty Pictures Version 05.23.09

Going with the theme of refreshment and renewal, today's Pretty Pictures pretty much sum it all up. Little Boots with "New in Town."

¡Estoy Nuevo!

We went for a bit of a change. A renewed and refreshed look for a renewed and refreshed start to the blog. You likey?

Pretty Pictures Version 05.22.09

Today's Pretty Pictures immediately made me think of Lady LaLa and all of the great shoes she's got. If I has shoes like hers, I wouldn't take them off either. Except when I've got a hot-feet hangover attack. Then I can't wait to take them off. But I'm usually at work when that happens, and taking off my shoes then isn't really appropriate, though. Which makes the hot feet absolutely unbearable. Ugh! Much like today after having tied one on with Shatterproof during our impromptu U Street bar crawl last night. Much love to Maryna, Lili, and Tisha. My ladies rock. Here's Tiga with "Shoes."

There's Something in the Air

I always knew there was something special in the air over Madrid. No wonder I like it there so much. ;)

Yeah, That Sounds About Right

Old bank buildings used for other purposes. The transformation from the 1st to 2nd slide sums up Newark, NJ to a tee. It almost made me spit up my coffee, onetime, it was so spot on. It brought back memories of going to Youngworld in the blown-up 'hood that was downtown Newark in the '80s avoiding eye and skin contact with the stinky bums and crack 'hos with my mom and dad buying 3-piece polyester suits for me and girly girl dresses for my sister. Ooph...Good times.

And it looks like there's apparently a Youngworld in Jamaica, Queens. Maybe I should go there sometime for olde timey's sake? Ooph ooph...

It's Alive! Alive!

We're back...It's been way too long, mis bonitos. To be honest, I was thinking of giving up on the blogging. But I logged onto the blog last week and got re-inspired. So, without further ado, here we are back to sharing with the world. ¡Un gran beso, mundo!

Pretty Pictures Version 04.12.09

It's been another long while without a post. This time our Future Box™ died on us. But we're back now, mis bonitos. And with some Pretty Pictures that will wake you up. Abruptly, but they'll wake you up on this fine Easter Sunday. Brode Dalle's new gig, Spinnerette, with "Ghetto Love."

(™ attributed to JJ.)

Pretty Pictures Version 03.26.09

Forget Iggy Pop shillin' car insurance. Those were icky pictures from the UK. These are Pretty Pictures. The latest BBC6 Music big thing: Chew Lips with "Solo."

Flash! Ah-ah!

Looks like I'll be getting Flash® on my G1! I'll be able to enjoy this video of Infographic Little Red Riding Hood soon enough. The video would be more enjoyable with a little Cupcake, though. Just sayin'.

You Must Love Me

Love's lost for two more celebrities.

First up is poor Beth Ditto. I really can't sum what happened up better than this quote does: "[A]s far as I could determine, there was a parting of the waves as the svelte and deeply panicked hordes flung themselves out of the oncoming path of the potential weapon of mass destruction that is la Ditto, and there was something closely resembling a resounding thud in place of the expected slap of flesh on expectantly upraised palms." Thank you, Hamish Bowles, for the amazing visual. Horrible, but high-larious. Parting thud, indeed. Ha!

Second is Iggy Pop. I'm sorry, but WTF was he thinking doing an ad for a UK car insurance company that refuses to insure musicians? Watching this ad was just as painful as watching LiLo's Fornarina mess yesterday. Trancarexia, indeed. Ooph...Quite the opposite for Ms. Ditto, though. ;)

Pretty Pictures Version 03.25.09

It's been a while since I've posted any Pretty Pictures. Today's should more than make up for it for mis bonitos who have been missing them. Awesome Swedish pop/rock: Adiam Dymott with "Miss You."

Like Toy Soldiers

Have you been wondering what LiLo’s been up to other than spending all of SamRo’s money on her trancarexia (Spanish term I just learned on Monday night thanks to Cristina Lasvignes* and her cohorts on "Tal cual lo contamos*" – "tranca-" from "puesto hasta las trancas" = “blitzed” + "-rexia" obvs from "anorexia" – all referring to girls who don’t eat so they can get their calories in by drinking the night away)? Making horribly sad Italian TV clothing ads. If LiLo keeps going the way she's been going, pretty soon she'll be one of the personalities I outlive from http://dead.atyourage.com/. Her career pretty much is. Ooph…This really hurts:

http://guanabee.com/2009/03/lindsay-lohans-fornarina-ad#more-21179.

And speaking of outliving, this was my result:

You've outlived John Wilmot by almost two weeks. He was a friend of King Charles II, libertine, and author of satiric and bawdy poetry. He died of syphilis and alcoholism on July 26, 1680, 296 years before you were born.

Syphilis and alcoholism. That sounds about right.

(*Websites en español)

La Semana in News #18

I don't think this recipe is in the Betty Crocker cookbook.

Credit woes for credit unions.

KC area breaks 2,000,000.

All those people will need to be fed. Sloppy Joe's are a good way to do that.

The jury let Anibal go?! On all counts?!

Today in 1873.

Where are Ricans gonna find boxes to use as their luggage now?

Selena to the rescue (as in Lopez and stray Rican dogs).

La Semana in News #17

Keep your fingers crossed, Jayhawk. Waiting for that No. 2 (to No. 4) seed.

Kathleen: The Bad Catholic.

This ain't the kind of spice anyone needs in their chili.

The Estonians are coming (to Johnson County)!

A good Saturday night for Rico: Rico pummels the U.S. in the World Baseball Classic.

Makes up for a bad Wednesday night for Rico: Smiley and Pretty voted off on the same night.

The stress and the drama of the losses were apparently too much for the Rican earth to handle.

13% unemployment, anyone?

Play It Again, Mango

It's that time of the season, mis bonitos! The Mango Winter 2008-2009 mix is ready for download. "Now That's What I Call Mango." And the tracklist:

Fleet Foxes: White Winter Hymnal
Kid Cudi: Day 'n' Nite (Crookers Remix)
La Roux: Quicksand
Little Boots: Meddle
VV Brown: Crying Blood
Architecture in Helsinki: That Beep
Emiliana Torrini: Me and Armini
Jazmine Sullivan: My Foolish Heart
Jenny Wilson: Like a Fading Rainbow
I Monster: A Sucker for Your Sound
Polly Scattergood: Please Don't Touch
The Joy Formidable: Cradle
Broken Spindles: Introvert
Children Collide: Farewell Rocketship
Happyendless: Hello Come On
Living Things: Oxygen
Spinnerette: Ghetto Love
Friendly Fires: Skeleton Boy
Passion Pit: Sleepyhead
School of Seven Bells: Iamundernodisguise
Seelenluft: Finally

Download here: http://(Where do you go, my lovely?)

Enjoy!

Update: Link removed.  Obvs.

And the Pot Melted, Indeed

Thursday night was Dine Out for Life. The Jayhawk, me, Rita Jean, Candy & DJ Skittles, Dags, and Robert kept it real yummy by going to The Melting Pot, which I hadn't been to in like 12 years. We had a blast, and were obviously the loudest table. But you know who had more fun than us? Dick Gephardt! He was at the table behind ours with his family. And was TANKED. And all drunky fighty with his daughter, Krissy, about being able to drive home. It was awesome to watch. It’s just like Us Weekly says: They really are “Just Like Us.” Ha!

Pretty Pictures Version 03.03.09

Today's Pretty Pictures sing about the obvious on this cold, cold day. Headless Heroes with "The North Wind Blew South." How about some southern winds blowing north to warm a Rican up, onetime?

Eye See, You See...

Picture it: 1420 Clifton St., NW. 6:30ayem. Woke up just fine to turn off the alarm. Ten minutes turned into fifty when the Jayhawk nudged me. And then the mad dash starts. Pick outfit (cute yet sensible for the big chill outside), iron, shower, listen to report on the radio about the Sri Lankan cricketers getting shot in Pakistan, shave, brush teeth, confirm weather report, get dressed, do hair, stuff bag, what the hellz is this about Obama speaking differently to blacks v. whites (?!...effin' Politico), throw on scarf/coat/bag over my shoulder, where's my Metrocard (?), grab keys, turn on iPod, adios sleeping Jamie, out the door, avoid getting hit by traffic while walking on the street to the bus stop because the sidewalk's iced over, get on the bus, really wanting a bowl of Cream of Wheat. All in less than an hour. It's happened twice in just as many days. I really need an alarm clock that will keep trying to wake me without annoying the Jayhawk. Maybe one with disturbing googly eyes that keep staring at me impatiently will work. If only he were for sale...

Pretty Pictures Version 03.02.09

Just a little something to take our minds off the cold and curl up to on the couch with our Snuggies (or Lippi Selk Bags or Sleeping Bears or even our Pantalaine Couch Dresses): Fanfarlo with "Fire Escape."

As an aside: This whole blanket/sleeping bag/keeping warm while lounging garb thing has really gone too far. Please let the warm weather get here so the insanity will finally stop! Where's Susan Powter when you need her?

In Like a Lion

Brrrr, mis bonitos! Dayum, has it been cold these past 2 days! Not comfortable for a Rican, but it was quite funny for a Kansan (I'm sure) listening to the sound effects I kept making while slipping and sliding and tripping on the snow this morning on our way to the bus stop. And I had my combat boots on! Maybe if these guys had a DC page I could have better braced myself for what was waiting for me outside. I don't know that it would have helped, though. Ricans just aren't built for walking on frozen water.

Pretty Pictures Version 03.01.09

Technolove on today's Pretty Pictures. I Monster with "A Sucker for Your Sound." Too cute.

La Semana in News #16

Say "yes" to HHS. Sebelius finally accepts a Cabinet position.

You're not in New England anymore. Cassel off to KC.

Me dance pretty one day. Actually, 2 days. KC Ballet honors Twyla Tharp in STL.

Free sample; free sample! Wine by the glass in KC liquor stores. I see drunky messes on the horizon. But drunkies do shop more. So maybe it's a brilliant plan to help the economy.

When Ricans Attack. Rican Nationalists shoot up the House of Representatives. In 1954.

Blatant financial conflicts of interest in Rico? Impossible...

When in doubt, ship 'em out...to Iraq.

A piece of el campito in la gran ciudad.

Pretty Pictures Version 02.23.09

Speaking of "better," today's Pretty Pictures are all about being better than the next guy. Although, the "next guy" this boy's dissin' is Prince. Better watch himself or the Purple One might forget his Jehova's Witness teachings and get all Minneapolis on his arse. I don't know what that means, but I do know the song's pretty bitchin': Flairs with "Better Than Prince."

Forget Oscar Fashions

Obama fashions are much better. Jeebus, they look awesome in this photo! They could make a Snuggie look good, though (even though the Snuggie is so December 2008; the Lippi Selk Bag is where it's at now, mis bonitos). Sean Penn said it alright: We most definitely have an elegant President in the White House. Thank goodness.

(Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

And There Was a "Hollah, Girl" Heard Across the Land

Last night's Academy Award were meh except for 2 moments. I did get teary-eyed when Penélope Cruz broke out el castellano and dedicated her Best Supporting Actress award to her Spanish peoples. And I jumped up and whoot-whooted uncontrollably when Sean Penn won for Best Actor. You could definitely feel all of gay DC rejoicing. And for good reason because Milk was a fantastic movie that even made this hardened Rican shed a few tears. I guess now I have to see Slumdog so I can get what all the feel-good hype has been about. For those who know me, though, feel-good movies aren't necessarily my cup of tea. But I might make an exception this time.

Oh, yeah, and Mr. Penn's kill-him-with-kindness jab at Mickey Rourke was priceless.* "My brother," my arse. Klassy good times.

(*Explanation on why it was a jab here.)

Pretty Pictures Version 02.22.09

Staying up until 3ayem watching Karl Lagerfeld talk too fast in French about his German mother and living the Chanel lifestyle while holding onto his childhood pillow for dear life to keep his tummy from getting upset had me awake last night but has me quite sleepy today. Today's Pretty Pictures describe my current state perfectly, then: School of Seven Bells with "Half Asleep."

La Semana in News #15

Forget Build-A-Bear. Build-A-Trike is much more fun.

More troubles for Sprint. How is a "BB+" rating a downgrade from a plain "BB," though?

Hooley Hooley KC stylee.

She might just make it after all...Sebelius for HHS top spot? Maybe...

The stripper took my nipple!

Drunky rotten scoundrels. Drink more (Rican) rum.

But don't try to swindle the Rican peoples because they will catch you (and air your dirty laundry while they're at it for kicks).

¡Arriba, Cotto! I know the island must have been on fire last night.

Rican heat in the Chitown cold.

Cry, cry, baby!

Pretty Pictures Version 02.18.09

Talk about seeing things that aren't there or not seeing things that are there. Today's Pretty Pictures working their own magia: Here We Go Magic with "Tunnelvision."

Them's the Breaks

Much like the world economy, my Internets were broken for the past few days. And it was no bueno, mis bonitos. I've spent my time watching endless hours of reruns on HGTV, Food Network, and the Travel Channel, and being educated on the horrors of child abuse in Spain thanks to the lack of Web access and the lack of new episodes of my shows on regular network TV. But I did learn that no recession is a good recession and that no good magenta is a real magenta. Both are mind tricks, much like how HTC is tricking me by releasing their new GPhone on Vodafone and Telefónica with no plans to let us officially play with it here in the States. HTC: I love you. Why do you do you toy with me so? I want some Magic in my life, too.* At least Art Lebedev will let me have some verbal time in my life. For $211.54. But I can still have it.

Back to the magenta thing for a second, though. If magenta isn't a real color, then what color is this blog? And what color is my new argyle sweater that I hold so dear? I thought I was being all non-DC and cool by owning it. Does this now mean that I'm totally anti-cool because I'm simply imagining that the sweater even exists? And have I fooled those around me by seeing it, too? Or maybe it's the ultimate in mind tricks that Banana Republic's got us all believing in the sweater? Curses to you, retail fashion sorcerers!

(*Article en español)

Update!: Magenta is a color, after all.

Pretty Pictures Version 02.12.09

Oooo-eeeh! Happy Thursday, mis bonitos. Today's Pretty Pictures embarass no one: Phrase vs. Kram: "Sky Light."

Examen

Take the dayum test, already.

Pretty Pictures Version 02.11.09

Think of a happy place; think of a happy place. That's what Roberto and Chris are probably doing. Today's Pretty Pictures should help them do just that. Röyksopp with "Happy Up Here."

It's Not Me; It's You

When in doubt (or being sued by an ex-girlfriend), blame the Messican homos just like Señor Alomar. Pathetic. All macho but never man enough to own up to his actions. Like Chris Brown coming out with that statement today that RiRi was the one who started the fight?! Good one. Victim blaming. Nice.

Pretty Pictures Version 02.10.09

I've been waiting anxiously for today's Pretty Pictures to be released. I hope you like it as much as I do: The Dø with "On My Shoulders." I bet A-Rod and Chris both feel the weight on their shoulders right about now, huh?

Que No Cunda el Pánico

That's what Prezzie Obama asked us to do in these troubled economic times at his first press conference last night. We need to worry, of course, but we need to channel that worry into positive action and not let it explode into panic or despair. So, don't go the way of the Wall Street brokers who facilitated the vote of no-confidence as soon as today's news broke that the stimulus package had passed. And definitely don't go the way of Chris Brown and go beat up on your Princess RiRis. If anything, beat up on the A-Roid and his stoopidity for causing that reporter to ask Obama about steroids in baseball when there are more important things to worry about. Jeebus...such a douche.

(Keep Calm and Carry On poster available at Barter Books. Read story of it here. Me wanny.)

Pretty Pictures Version 02.09.09

Today's Pretty Pictures totally fit with today's soulful first impressions theme. Enjoy Of Montreal with "An Eluardian Instance."

I Got Soul

The 2009 Jayhawk Bday/Mango-Jayhawk Anniversary Weekend was awesome. Part of it was due to the amazing opening-night showing of the play we saw on Friday night at the Rosslyn Spectrum: Synetic Theater's Dante's Divine Comedy. If you've never seen a Synetic show, you need to see this one. The physical and emotional energy levels were insane. Not to mention the cracked-out (in a good way) costumes and the biting political/religious statements. Talk about soul. I'll definitely go see it, again, if anyone's down.

The other part of our good weekend was due to the dinner we had on Saturday night at Art and Soul at The Liaison Capitol Hill. And here are my 2 cents of the experience:

Appetizers:
Virginia ham-wrapped shrimp on top of creamy grits and sprinkled with chow chow (to die for; the chow-chow was awesome, and the grits were perfect).
Spice-rubbed ahi tuna (very nice spicy kick that hits you in the back of the throat) on top of fried green tomatoes (a little too tart, but good) and sour pickle relish (yummy).

Second:
Two types of hoe cakes -
One with cured salmon, caviar, crème fraiche, dill, and caper berries (like Southern bagels and lox – my favorite of the two we had; pass on the caper berries if you don’t like that flavor).
The other with fried oysters, chow chow remoulade, and julienned romaine lettuce (I know the lettuce was there to lighten the dish, but it reminded me too much of a side salad smothered in bad ranch dressing at TGIFridays to care for it -- Sorry, Guy Fieri; you cant make me eat there even with your endorsement of their new Ultimate Recipe Showdown menu).

Entrees:
Medium-rare duck breast (it was so good and fresh; the steak of the water fowl) with duck sausage (which is supposed to be on the mushier side and not have that crisp outer bite of a chicken or pork sausage, so don’t be scared by the consistency because it was good), candied cabbage (amazingly savory and sweet and tart all at once), and goat cheese almond puree (nice and mellow; definite almond flavor).
Bourbon braised beef “short” rib (there was nothing short about it; the bone was the length of my forearm and slid right off the meat; the meat was so tender it disintegrated on the Jayhawk’s fork and melted in my mouth; amazing).

Side:
Macaroni casserole (which was baked mac & cheese that was maybe a bit heavy on the butter for me but really good and creamy and melty).

Dessert:
Homemade butterscotch banana pudding with 'nilla wafers (OMG! Set up in a tall flute kind of like a trifle, the wafers had soaked up all the banana and butterscotch and bourbon goodness; delicious).

And all that (including the Jayhawk’s drink and my 2 beers) was less than $130 pre-tip. We got the hoe cakes comped because the executive chef and the Jayahwk are friends, but it’s still a deal for everything we had even if we didn’t get anything gratis.

As for the actual space, it’s set up really oddly. The whole place is semi-compartmentalized into 3 dining areas, the bar, and then the lounge that actually bleeds into the hotel lobby, all separated by “walls” (either painted glass doors or metal curtains but not actual walls). Bad people flow, too, because you enter into the first main dining area and basically smack up against one of the tables, and the host stand is up against the wall to your left in the bar area with no real place to stand to the side. Then there are all the automatic doors lining the front that actually open if you bump up against them but that have tables right up against them, too. They should have turned all those doors into windows and made the only entrance through the hotel lobby, I think. The décor was nice but maybe a bit dark. We sat at a booth that I thought was cozy but that the Jayhawk thought had too harsh lighting that was hurting his eyes. And the male manager working that night needs a bit of an attitude adjustment; there are nicer ways of backing up your bartender and “correcting” a customer claiming that his Makers Mark on the rocks wasn’t Makers Mark (which it was not; even I could tell, and I’m not the brown likker expert).

All of the flaws are minor, though. It’s a new restaurant, and everyone’s still figuring out their roles and their flow. But the food and the overall experience more than make up for anything negative anyone can say. Mango say: Definitely go.

Pretty Pictures Version 02.08.09

I'm totally diggin' the indie dance craze sweeping the nation...of the UK, that is (and Hackney, to be exact). Sweet electro pop tunes to start your Sunday off right: thecockandbullkid with "I'm Not Sorry."

La Semana in News #14

All Hale-y! The Chiefs hire Todd Haley as their new head coach.

That's 475,830 KC residents, to be exact, Mr. Census Man.

The river is falling! The river is falling!

Birthdays all around this weekend. Happy Bday, KC Ballet!

¡Wepa! Rico beats Venezuela in baseball Caribbean Series.

Talk about angry white men...Try an angry machista Rican man with a legal education. Whatevs...

I don't get it. Rican skinheads in Orlando?

No Wii for me! Well, at least not one that we'll hook up to the Internets.

Pretty Pictures Version 02.05.09

"Love is a game I wanna play with you," Missur Jayhawk. Happy Birthday from the boys in today's Pretty Pictures: The Voluntary Butler Scheme with "Multiplayer."

¡Japi Japi!

Happy Birthday, Jayhawk! ¡Que te crezca el bling bling, and all that other good stuff! It'll be a wonderful birthday weekend. Lazy at-home Thursday, opening-night-for-the-play Friday, fancy-dinner Saturday, and get-your-museum-on Sunday. Good times before the Valentine's Day and Restaurant Week rush mayhem.

Pretty Pictures Version 02.02.09

Happy 10th birthday, Moon Safari! In that honor, today's Pretty Pictures are a new video to mark the release of that awesome album: Air with "La femme d'argent." Music to mellow out to while digesting leftover chili. Ahhh...Chill out bliss.

All Hail!

Sister Disco! Winner of the 2nd Annual 1429 Super Bowl Chili Cook-Off! It was splendid times, indeed. Good friends, good food, good beers, and, actually, a good football game (although the same really can't be said for the commercials; maybe PETA should have been allowed to air their commercial, after all; "Debbie Does Salad," indeed). I have definitely got to amp up my game for next year's challenge. Maybe I can make a chili using the log o' meat that these KC boys created? It's a heart attack wrapped in bacon, but that's the kind me likey.

Pretty Pictures Version 01.31.09

Double feature! Tonight I'm going with K & The Triple J to see these two amazing acts at the 6th & I Synagogue. The show's sold out, so, for those of my bonitos who can't make it, today's Pretty Pictures are the videos to my favorite songs of theirs for you to enjoy: Wildbirds & Peacedrums with "There Is No Light" and Lykke Li with "I'm Good, I'm Gone." Can't wait!

Pretty Pictures Version 01.28.09

Today's Pretty Pictures are Beirut with "La Llorona," which in Spanish means the "Weeping Woman," and which every Hispanic culture has a legend about. By the way Alberto and Rod have been whining over the past few days, we could start our own "El Llorón" legend here in the States, don't you think?

Colossal!

Not about the Rican juices*, but about the painting in El Prado. Looks like "The Colossus" by Franciso de Goya y Lucientes is not Goya's at all. Just so happens that Goya's quietly (since he's been dead, to be fair) been taking the credit for having painted the gentle giant for decades now. But he's really the work of one of Goya's apprentices, Asensio Juliá. Once, again, the fame ho' takes the credit while the real talent stands in the shadows. Kinda like how Eleanor Waldorf took credit for Little Jenny Humphreys' designs on the Gossip Girl. But Little Jenny showed Eleanor who's the real bosslady, didn't she? And now Little Asensio's showing Francisco who's the boss, too. Jeebus, the art gods will strike me down for having written that.

The point is that you can't trust an amigo, onetime. Much like you should never trust our favorite amigo, Alberto Gonzalez. He's really going around proclaiming that he's another good guy misrepresented by the evil media? Berto and the Blago should get together and start their own Church of Delusions. And yeah, neither Alberto nor Rod are mis amigos. Blech. Shizz...

(*El Coloso is a Registered TM of Colón Brothers, Inc.)

Pretty Pictures Version 01.27.09

Apt song for a sleepy, wintry-mix night. Especially after my arse was at work early early so I could make it on-time and awake to my new bi-weekly staff meeting. Which I didn't make to early, at all, because I didn't bother to read the e-mail thoroughly enough and went to the wrong conference room. Jeebus, me...Where's my Laughing Cow cheese to laugh up my day?*

Anyway, enjoy today's Pretty Pictures: Passion Pit with "Sleepyhead."

(*Cuter ad from the UK, BTW.)

20 Million Viewers

Can be wrong. The Senate's passed a bill that would delay the digital TV transition until June 12. All because the vast minority of the minority of TV viewers couldn't get their act together to get them Government coupons to buy converter boxes for their old sets. Talk about procrastination nation and waste of taxpayer dollars trying to educate the masses. Come late May we'll be talking about another 4-month delay for October.

Can I Haz My Cupcake

And play with it, too? I actually like the flip-up QWERTY pad on my phone, but it would be nice to have the option of a virtual pad on the G1 screen. Come on and take the Cupcake out of the oven already, T-Google.

Pretty Pictures Version 01.26.09

No love for the economy today. Sprint-Nextel, Intel, Caterpillar, GM...You name it, they're losing it. Those losing their jobs should stay away from today's Pretty Pictures so that they don't go full-on depro. But the video and the song are pretty, nonetheless. Currently opening for TV on the Radio: The Big Pink with "Too Young To Love."

Watch Out!

The snows are comin'! 2-3" of them. Which is really nothing in comparison to the FOOT of snow expected for Boston Steamer's neck of the woods. But it's still the first snow of the season (finally), so the commute is definitely going to be interesting tomorrow.

And you know what else is coming? Wii-njuries.* Hablando en plata just had a report on how they're of concern in Spain. Seriously?

(*Article en español.)

Pretty Pictures Version 01.25.09

Praise to Metro cruising by the boy in today's Pretty Pictures. And to the '80s. When will the love for this trend ever stop? Maybe next year when it'll be time for the '90s to start making their comeback. 20-year cycles, friends. Master Shortie with "Dead End."

La Semana in News #13

Not even the dead get respect in Wichita.

And neither do football coaches. Sayonara, Herm.

It's all well-deserved hugs and kisses for film directors, though. Check out the trailer here. Dayum...

And props to local artists. Mark your calendars for June 6, bonitos.

Zero respect for former Rican governors. Not that he deserves any. At least he knows who his friends are now, right?

Even less love for former commonwealth senators. Doesn't matter that he's manning up now. No choice there.

In contrast, there's mad love for the Rican boxer. Que descanse en paz.

As well as for our wooden saints. Santo, santo, santo...¡SANTO!

Pretty Pictures Version 01.12.09

So, this is what happens late nite at the convenience store. I wonder if Rita Jean's ever put on a show like this at the 7-11 down on U Street? Maybe if I put on today's Pretty Pictures Rita and I could put on a show for the 7-11 peoples together with The District and Timmy as back-up. That would be effin' high-larious! Kid Cudi and "Day 'n' Nite."

T-Mobilizin'

I did it! I joined the Jayhawk and made the switch to the T-Mobile. And I got me a G1! I never thought I'd ever fall in love with a phone, but I have. Hee!

My only hang-up is whether or not to port my current Sprint number over to my new account. On one hand, I've had my number for 11 years, and to give it up would be a little hassle. On the other hand, though, a new number celebrates a new year and a new Mango. Oh, what to do; what to do?

Pretty Pictures Version 01.11.09

Who else thinks today's Pretty Pictures have a Prince "When Doves Cry" vibe to it? Apollonia would be proud. La Roux with "Quicksand."

La Semana in News #12

"I Don't think I'll be wearing mascara that day." Kansans party it up in DC, Inauguration style.

A ray of Kansan sunlight in the dark despair of Gaza.

Get your culture on up in one of the lectures at the Art Institute.

Doing Lamar proud.

Bombs away! Early spring cleaning on Culebrita.

Get the cash you need in a flash with Cash Point, Gov. Fortuño.

Does Rico really need another luxury golf course when people are going hungry?

María Celeste's making 'em sweat (and cry). Katie Couric should take some notes.

Pretty Pictures Version 01.07.09

More excitement and fun (music wise) for today's Pretty Pictures. She's on the BBC's list to watch for 2009. They did pretty well with their list from 2008 by mentioning MGMT and Adele, and looky how well they did for themselves. Hopefully this girl's got many good things coming to her, too: VV Brown with "Crying Blood."

Here Comes the Rain, Again

I almost went window shopping (with the itch to buy something) tonight after work in Columbia Heights, but the rains caught me as I walked up the 14th Street hill, so I veered home and found this website* to satisfy my shopping needs. Not that I needed to go shopping since I got my Reyes present from the concierge in Rita's building courtesy of UPS Ground. But I wonder if shopping at the actual HEMA stores is just as fun and exciting as on their website? Puts the Target to shame.

(*Ojo: Let the page fully load to enjoy the merriment)

(And, thanks, Rita, for being my shipping address once, again)

Who Said Ricans Were Demanding?

JLo and El Skeletor have really tried to outdo themselves this time. I guess I'd be a bit demanding, too, if I'd agreed to perform in the world's coke den along with reggaeton "artists," Wisin & Jandel. Jeebus, you know that crowd's going to be full of thug wannabes and their wannabe chola tecata girlfriends. But college-educated bi-lingual nannies' assistants and a floor at the Cartagena Hotel? Please...Gimme bottles of spring water collected in the mountains by FARC hostages and my own sicario houseboy. Now those are some real treats from Colombia fit for Rican celebrity.

Pretty Pictures Version 01.06.09

Those last pictures were ugh-lee. Sorry for that. To make up for them, here are today's Pretty Pictures: Sky Larkin with "Fossil, I." Forgive me, now? Good.

¿Qué tha Wha?

Jaime Cantizano! How could you? I know you're only an unbearably hott hunka man who merely hosts a trashy 4-hour "celebrity" gossip round table show in Spain, but i thought you at least would have semi-objected to the idea for this spot. Love how she lost a track from her weave, though. Maybe that made it all worth it for you, too, ¿eh, guapo?

Gimme Gimme #13 (Edición Especial)

Today's Three Kings Day, so, to celebrate the holiday, gimme gimme a painting from John Gascot. Me lovey his colors in his Latin Pop collection. And "Strong" in his new works makes me giggle on the inside. Good stuff.

Not the Chamber of Commerce; the Department of Commerce

That's what I have to tell everyone every time I go to Rico. I'm 33 years old and have been working at the DOC for over 8 years now, but the Don Q and the Medalla must affect everyone's short-term memory more than I like to admit because peeps can't keep my story straight. But maybe there won't be a need to keep the story straight if Barack listens to the gays and taps (drrty) former SBA Administrator Fred Hochberg. At least Fred's got a proven track record in trade issues, unlike Señor Panetta with intelligence, and isn't a TV personality like Dr. Gupta. Makes sense to hire him, no?

Pretty Pictures Version 01.05.09

Maybe we'll get a better rating thanks to today's Pretty Pictures: A Camp with "Stronger than Jesus." It does have Jesus in the title, after all. Just sayin'.

How Did This Happen?

How did Boston Steamer receive a friendlier family rating than we did? We got a PG for use of the word "bitch" three times and the word "kill," onetime. I don't remember using either word, but the robot widgets know more than I ever will. Them robots are taking over soon, for real.

I wonder what our rating will be by posting what Uncle Karl had to say the other day regarding the crazy PETA people and their disdain for fur in fashion. Oh, Uncle Karl...Such a way with words he has.

(Rating courtesy of oneplusyou)

Pretty Pictures Version 01.04.09

Jazmine Sullivan - Bust Your Windows


Dayum! Don't mess with mah girl in today's Pretty Pictures. She took a page from Stella, got her own groove back, and is singin' it to the world. Jazmine Sullivan with "Bust Your Windows."

La Semana in News #11

What's in a name?

2009: The year for KC artistry.

Get me some eggs and milk while you're at it.

Sign o' the shaky print media times. KC Kansan goes on-line only.

An inauguration fit for the stars. Even my parents sat up in the VIP section.

Speaking of stars, JLo and Skeletor are not getting a divorce, gracias very mucho.

Rico gets its own peseta!

Use it to pay for dinner at one of these fine restaus.

Pretty Pictures Version 01.03.09

Kinda Halloweeny to rid the ghosts from your head, today's Pretty Pictures are Cats in Paris with "Foxes." I know I need to get rid of the ghosts in my head after too many fun times last night at the P-Rat. Ooph...The P-Rat. I lovey you and hatey you all at the same time.

(PS and BTW: Why the Polly's website gone? Cici needs to renew her registration, onetime. Just sayin'.)

Pretty Pictures Version 01.02.09

¡Wepa! These are the first Pretty Pictures of 2009! Me likey The Joy Formidable with "Cradle." Hope you likey, too.

Now someone please 'splain me why every single one of my posts today are full of exclamations. I think my latest trip to Rico has had me talking and typing louder than ever before.

My Kwanzaa Will Never Be That Happy

If the Holidaze haven't killed you yet (and I say haven't yet because we Ricans still got Three Kings Day to celebrate on Sunday), Nobody Likes Sandra Lee has got you covered with this gross-arse Kwanzaa cake. It's sick. Just sick. I mean, seriously, are those corn nuts she topped the cake with?! Somebody stop her, please! Ugh, she makes me gag. We could sick Popcorn Chimp on her. But she'd probably scare him off, too. Awww...cutie pie...

And speaking of Three Kings Day, remember that Gimme Gimme post on calendars? Um, yeah, this is the one you can get for me. I knew fire was hott but never that caliente! Dayum! ¡Echa chispa!

¡Date Prisa Que Vamos Tarde!

Latino Standard Time (LST) refers to the amount of time between when someone of Latin American origin says that they will be somewhere and when they actually are there. Generally, Latino standard time ranges between LT (Local Time) + 30min and LT + 2h. In rare instances, LST can be LT + up to 1 day. Now, everyone knows that I run on LST for the most part. I may be a bad Rican (no pool, no salsa, and no baseball), but I'm good through and through when it comes to how it's plain impossible for me to adhere to Gringo Time. But sometimes even this Rican's get his act together and show up on time, especially when it comes to big-arse Latino Presidential Inaugural Gala party times. I gotta find me a ticket! Special Friends works for La Raza, right?

A Stamp Is Forever

I use stamps only once a month to go along with the one check a month the Jayhawk and I write for rent. And even then the mailing of actual rent checks is mainly due to our incredible laziness in setting up an account our landlord can draw from. But maybe if I buy some of these stamps, I'll use the snailmails more because my letters will look that much cooler (?). Obviously not, but I'm definitely getting a sheet when they're released on the 13th.

(Photo courtesy of the Royal Mail)